Colorado is aggressively advancing highway and bridge projects and putting Colorado residents to work with the help of funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. As of May 12, the Colorado Department of Transportation has committed $162.7 million in Recovery Act funds for 32 projects, the first of which will begin this month. This puts the state well ahead of the Recovery Act's deadlines and scheduling requirements.

CDOT had until June 29, 2009 (120 days) to obligate $141.4 million of its Recovery Act transportation funding and has now reached 115 percent of that requirement -- more than one month ahead of schedule.

"This impressive milestone for Colorado means that important roadway projects are getting started and creating jobs," Gov. Bill Ritter said. "These projects will not only bring short-term economic activity to communities around the state, they also represent important long-term investments in rebuilding the state's transportation infrastructure."

Among the 32 projects for which funds have been committed, 25 have been advertised for bid and CDOT has selected contractors for 14 projects. To see a list of projects, go to www.dot.state.co.us/arra/.

In all, the Recovery Act will provide Colorado with more than $400 million for transportation projects and $103 million for transit projects.